The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Enlightenment, led by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has organised a social media training programme for more than 100 influencers drawn from across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the workshop in Kano on Sunday, Abdulaziz said the initiative was designed to strengthen participants’ ability to identify and counter misinformation and disinformation circulating on digital platforms.
He noted that the programme also aims to provide influencers with accurate information about the policies and achievements of the current administration, enabling them to better inform the public.
According to him, the rise of AI-generated images, manipulated videos, and misleading online content has made it increasingly important for social media users to develop digital literacy and responsible communication skills.
“The training is intended to equip participants with practical skills for identifying false information and using social media more effectively to share credible and accurate content,” he said.
Abdulaziz explained that the workshop would also highlight key initiatives and accomplishments of the Tinubu administration while promoting messages that encourage national unity and cohesion.
He stressed that while freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of democracy, social media users must exercise responsibility in how they create and share content.
“Everyone has the right to express their views and participate in political or non-political activities. However, we must also address the growing misuse of social media and ensure that people have access to factual information about government activities,” he added.
Delivering an earlier presentation, development scholar Dr. Musa Abdullahi-Sufi said the programme seeks to promote a more balanced narrative about Nigeria by encouraging influencers to spotlight development initiatives and national achievements.
He urged participants to prioritise constructive and factual reporting while avoiding the spread of negative or misleading content.
The training also featured sessions on ethical social media practices, fact-checking techniques, and responsible digital engagement, equipping participants with tools to contribute positively to the online information space.
